Rolls-Royce's Italian Ode: Meet the One-of-One Phantom 'Inspired by Cinque Terre'

The Cinque Terre is a series of centuries-old seaside villages situated on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, each one with its unique charm, from terraced vineyards to colorful homes that smooch the edge of the sea.

Drawing profound inspiration from these vibrant colors, the intricate architecture, and the timeless allure of these fishing villages, Rolls-Royce has crafted a narrative that embodies the very essence of the Italian coastline, merging the romantic appeal of Cinque Terre with the meticulous luxury, precision, and craftsmanship synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand name.

One of many Italian gems

Nestled along the rugged coast of Liguria in northern Italy, the Cinque Terre, which translates to 'Five Lands,' comprises five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. These villages, each with its own unique charm and character, are a wonder in the world of winemaking, with Vernazza also being a member of the 'I Borghi più belli d'Italia' ('The most beautiful villages of Italy') association.

Gazing upon the deep blue expanse of the Ligurian Sea, these villages stand as icons of natural charm, historical importance, and rich cultural traditions. The shores, the settlements, and the terraced landscapes collectively form the Cinque Terre National Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, safeguarding this area's beauty and architectural splendors.

Over the centuries, inhabitants of the Cinque Terre have meticulously built terraces on the steep, rugged landscape, right up to the cliffs, overlooking the sea. These terraces, carved out of the mountainside, have been cultivated with vineyards, producing wines celebrated for generations. Olive groves and lemon orchards also dot the landscape, adding to the region's agricultural richness.

The region is a testament to nature's beauty, human endeavor, and resilience, as the intricate network of stone walls, terraces, and pathways showcase the harmonious interaction between people and nature, producing a landscape of exceptional scenic and cultural value. Paths, trains, and boats connect the villages of Cinque Terre, offering a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences.

Each village of the Cinque Terre, united in its scenic beauty, boasts distinct traditions, festivals, and delights. Monterosso, for instance, is known for its expansive beaches and lemon trees, while Vernazza stands out with its colorful harbor and ancient castle.

The area has transformed from a hidden gem to a magnet for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience. Those who venture here are looking for more than just beautiful vistas. They also seek a genuine escape from the commercialized hustle and bustle of major tourist hubs, immersing themselves in the rich culture that Cinque Terre so proudly preserves.

With the unveiling of the Phantom 'Inspired by Cinque Terre,' the brand has seamlessly merged its legacy of luxury with the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that Cinque Terre represents. Just as the five Italian villages are a testament to resilience and nature's splendor, the Phantom embodies the pinnacle of automotive artistry and technical innovation.

Every design element, from the hand-painted gallery artwork to the intricate embroidery, captures the essence of Cinque Terre, making it a masterpiece that celebrates both the region's and Rolls-Royce's commitment to excellence and heritage.

From natural wonders to automotive artistry

The car's exterior is a visual treat, painted in a shade evocative of the deep and serene Ligurian Sea. This shade, known as 'Ligurian Blue,' reflects the region's natural beauty, accentuated by the hand-drawn double coachlines in contrasting hues of Navy Blue and Jasmine. These lines gracefully traverse the car's body, culminating in a delicate grapes motif, symbolizing Cinque Terre's rich winemaking heritage.

Upon entering the vehicle, one is transported to a realm of luxury. The interiors, a blend of Grace White and Navy Blue leather, are accentuated with Jasmine touches, creating a serene and opulent environment.

The rear door panels are nothing short of art pieces adorned with detailed grape-branch embroidery. This intricate design, made up of over 9,000 stitches, employs two distinct techniques: a satin stitch, giving the grapes a radiant sheen, and a tatami stitch for the leaves, offering a textured contrast.

The attention to detail of this Phantom commission is also evident in its picnic tables. These tables, adorned with a grapes design, are crafted using stainless steel and given a touch of luxury with gold plating. Initially painted in a sparkling shade of Milori Blue, these tables underwent a rigorous process of hand application, sealing, and polishing, ensuring a surface that mirrors perfect craftsmanship.

The Bespoke Starlight Headliner showcases a meticulously embroidered map of Italy, made up of over 14,000 stitches. This celestial display highlights the Cinque Terre villages with five radiant stars, each precisely placed to denote their exact geographical locations. The creation of this design was a labor of love, taking over a month and numerous iterations to strike the perfect balance between luminosity and detail.

The Phantom's Gallery, a space dedicated to artistic expression, is home to a captivating artwork embodying Cinque Terre's essence. This masterpiece, amalgamating elements from all five iconic villages, transitioned from digital sketches to hand airbrushing.

The final artwork, sealed with multiple layers of lacquer, ensures that passengers can immerse themselves in the vibrant details of Cinque Terre. Adding to the car's myriad of bespoke features is the glove compartment. Inside, one finds a silver debossing of the five Cinque Terre villages, a subtle tribute to the region that inspired this magnificent vehicle.

Powering the Grand Elegance

While the Rolls-Royce Phantom 'Inspired by Cinque Terre' is a bespoke design and craftsmanship sensation, its heart remains true to the brand's legacy of power and performance. Beneath its sculpted Ligurian Blue hood, guarded by the majestic Spirit of Ecstasy, lies the company's formidable 6.75-liter V12 engine, responsible for propelling the 2.5-ton luxury behemoth with grace and authority.

With a staggering 563 horsepower (571 PS) and a torque of 664 lb-ft (900 Nm), the Phantom can move with as much urgency as its elegance. Furthermore, the powerplant is seamlessly managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive gear shifts.

The drivetrain efficiently channels this energy to all four wheels, ensuring optimal traction and stability. This intricate engineering allows the Phantom to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) in a swift 5.3 seconds, a notable feat for a vehicle of its stature. However, keeping with safety considerations, the top speed is limited to a brisk 155 mph (250 kph).

Deeply imbued with Cinque Terre's spirit, this vehicle reflects passion, history, and artistry. Every curve, stitch, and hue tells a story, echoing the timeless beauty of the Italian Riviera and the meticulous craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Having already been delivered to its discerning commissioner, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Inspired by Cinque Terre is also a tribute to the brand's commitment to exclusivity.

The company has announced that this masterpiece is set to remain a one-off, ensuring that it will never be replicated, further elevating its unique status. For the fortunate owner, this Phantom is a piece of art, a memory, and a celebration of their refined taste.